Where It Will Be ...

The most mind-splitting period was deciding on the venue. We had several in mind, from mid to high range, to which we paid site visits. It sounds a bit silly for we both enjoyed visiting the hotels, trying to visualize how it would be like if we were to hold our reception there.
It was tough to choose over the shortlisted ones, including:
- Merchant Court. Very comfortable charges but it’s a very basic package, ie. only includes food (no bev) & some floral arrangements on each table.
Verdict4 It’s actually a “no” in our mind but the big attraction was its price that made us hesitant for a while.
- Equinox at Swissotel. Meant for private functions. Wide selection of food, comes with f/f soft drinks & offers panoramic view on 69th floor! Full privacy as whole level will be reserved for that 1 function. For those who’ve been to New Asia Bar would know where it is exactly. Comes with a bit more frills like chair sash & floral centerpiece on each table.
Verdict4 Liked the ambience & intimate yet classy feel. However we thought their biggest function room is still a lil small.
See attached pic.















- Inter-Continental. Package which is considered reasonably priced includes food & soft drinks f/f. 2 possible venues to hold our event. One is the normal function room & the other is at the basement whereby the whole common area will be at our disposal. The latter is a dimly lit vault with very interesting décor where it exudes mysterious & nostalgic air. Quite an appealing offer… was invited to view the actual setting for a wedding couple that day.
Verdict4 Quite nicely done-up with maroon chair sash. Were also taken by the flexibility of their menu… could be quite customized. But again, space problem.
See attached pic.















- Amara. The first hotel we viewed. It’s a real value for money. Besides inclusive of food & f/f aerated bevs, a night’s accommodation is offered (the only 1 in these 5), though comes with minimal decors..
Verdict4 Initially more interested in their poolside reception but concluded that it could be stressful for us to be at the mercy of the weather. Very possibly it would be either too warm or rainy. Anyway for both outdoor & indoor, not very impressed with the concepts proposed. So “no”.
- The Sentosa (formerly Beaufort). No visit. It sounded pretty attractive though in terms of location as the proposed function room opens up onto a terrace + lawn area overlooking the South China sea. So we can use both the room as well as the terrace. Imagine having solemnization surrounded by the greens & the sea then proceed on to indoors for the reception. It’s like having ‘the best of both worlds’ huh.
Verdict4 “No” eventually as the package was pathetic compared to the price quoted. Nothing comes with it, literally nothing, not even floral décor, except a stingy menu on food.

Frankly it is rather normal for the few or no frills offered as we don’t meet the usual minimum number of guests (mostly 200 pax). So you can imagine our headache. It doesn’t help at all when I am (super) fussy over certain things.

In the end….. our choice is Ritz Carlton. This venue topped our list but was the last to visit due to the schedule of the hotel’s wedding planner. So we had a good 2 weeks+ to digest all the packages proposed by the said hotels. After we visited Ritz, we knew this would be the one. It’s the most expensive among all but, besides a generous menu & f/f soft drinks, also comes with lotsa add-ons:
- 6 flower pedestals of candles & fresh flowers along the aisle
- chiffon draping in the room
- an AV team at our disposal
- invites
But the best of all is the 1-night stay in their marina view Premier Suite!















I’ve totally no doubts in Ritz’ standard of services as I’ve held a few business functions there before and their guestroom is really superb, even for a normal deluxe!
We are real impressed by its extent of customization - being pampered with a wide choice….from selection of flowers & designs as the floral pedestals to the colors of the chair sash. At our request, they also include a small gift of 4 Praline chocs for each guests…. Hmmm…
Also given a choice of usage of their Grand Ballroom or its reception area - Grand Gallery. As the GB is too big for our crowd and is difficult to make every1 feels cozy, we’ll most likely be having it at the Grand Gallery. Furthermore there’s a glass door opening up to a terrace and it’s ideal for kids to run about. We’ll still be having the whole floor by ourselves as once the GG being booked for function, the GB is automatically blocked out.

The whole concept they projected fits in so well with our requirements. What’s more can I say?? My elation is indescribable !!!